152/1 Whelan Dundalk double Ronan Whelan completed a first and last race Dundalk double. His mount in the finale, the www.dundalkstadium.com Maiden, Mai O'Higgins, popped up at odds of 16/1 for owner Michael Ryan and trainer Tracey Collins. Whelan's winner in the 5.35 came about for John Feane (in double form himself), with Cappadocia. On Mai O'Higgins he soon led, and the Strategic Prince filly made the rest. The successful three-year-old was pushed along and she edged slightly right under two furlongs out. She kept on well under pressure in the final furlong and though she had a reduced advantage in the closing stages she held on by half a length from Sufoof. Tracey Collins revealed afterwards: "I was very disappointed with her at Listowel, although the surface here helped her. The plan is to go to St Moritz next year as her half-sister won there. "We have always thought a bit of her, and it's great for the mare to get another winner." The Stewards informed J.Larkin, trainer that Zauffaly (FR), would have to be recertified before being declared to run from stalls again. The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the final furlong involving Landikusic, ridden by K.J. Manning, placed third and Sufoof, ridden by D.P. McDonogh, placed second. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the judge's placings, they were however of the opinion that D.P.McDonogh was in breach of Rule 214, in that he rode carelessly and having considered his record, suspended him for one race day. (AM & EM)
